Srinagar,February 13 (Scoop News) – Minister for Tourism Nawang Ringzin Jora has called for joint efforts both from government and stakeholders for tourism Industry for creating a congenial atmosphere for attracting more and more tourists in the valley. He said state tourism Ministry conducted several tourism melas in various important areas of the country like Banglore, Kolcutta, Surat, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, etc and gave tremendous publicity regarding the tourist destination of the valley. But he said these measures could only be translated into reality, when we will initiate efforts for creating such an atmosphere where tourists not only from country but abroad also are attracted to this beautiful valley. He said Government had fixed a target of one million tourists for valley for 2010 summer, but unfortunately such a situation was created that a heavy tourist influx had to return back for other tourist destination of the country. Jora said Govt. is also working over a plan that tourists should ensure their longer stay in the valet at various tourist spots, which will boost the economy of the people connected with this industry.
The Minister was addressing at a function here this morning organised by Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA), MOS Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani also spoke on the occasion. The Divisional Commissioner Dr. Asgar Samoon and Director Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah were also present on the occasion. The representatives of various tourist and traders associations were also present.
Earlier, Nawang Rigzin Jora and Nasir Aslam Wani released a telephone directory prepared by KHARA namely “Destination paradise”.
The KHARA president Siraj Ahmad apprised the ministers of various difficulties and problems confronting tourism industry in the valley.
Nasir Aslam Wani assured the association of full support from the Govt. and said Govt. has already initiated several measures for promoting new tourist destinations like Bangus, Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Sonamarg etc for which Development Authorities have already been framed and work on various projects is on. He appealed the people connecting with the tourism industry to play their role in maintaining peaceful atmosphere, which is imperative for a successful tourist season. He said Govt. alone, on this part cannot do anything and thus people should extend their full support to the Govt.